Hector Bellerin is enjoying a new lease of life at Spanish side Real Betis after joining on a season-long loan deal from Arsenal last summer.
The right-back had been at the North London club for a decade after joining as a youth graduate from Barcelona and had gone on to captain the first-team.
An energic full-back who offered both an attacking threat and defensive cover, Bellerin made 239 appearances for the Gunners before deciding that it was time for a new challenge.
Bellerin is impressing in Seville this season at his boyhood club, where he has made 18 appearances for Manuel Pellegrini’s side – who are flying high.
Betis are third in La Liga, into the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey after beating city rivals Sevilla and also into the knockout stages of the Europa League.
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Bellerin’s Arsenal career became derailed by continued fitness issues and a loss of form, which prompted his decision to seek pastures new last summer.
The Spaniard’s contract at the Gunners runs through to the summer of 2023 – meaning that when his loan deal at Betis ends this year, he will have 12 months remaining on his agreement in North London.
Bellerin has effectively been replaced in Arsenal’s side by Takehiro Tomiyasu and as things stand, it is unlikely the former Barca youth player will return to Mikel Arteta’s squad.
However, Bellerin has thanked his compatriot for the understanding he showed in allowing last summer’s loan move to the Andalusian club to be processed.
Bellerin explained on Wrighty’s House podcast this week: “I was lucky that Mikel is someone who is very understanding. Mikel knew it was nothing to do with football or the club.
“As people we go through cycles and it’s not because I don’t want to play there anymore, it’s just because this isn’t helping any of us.
“When I know that it’s not the place where I need to be at that time, nothing works and Mikel really understood that.
“He knows everything I’ve gone through at Arsenal, my injuries, every single episode.
“I was very lucky that I could be open with him and we could have a talk where he understood fully. He said, “I want to help you”. Not just as a coach but as a friend.
“The respect we have as people is there and I was very happy that Arsenal gave me the opportunity to let me find what I was looking for.
“You could see at that time it wasn’t working for any of us.
“It was clear in my head what I needed and I’m happy that it’s fulfilling itself. I’m happy.”
He may be at a different club and enjoying life at Betis, but Bellerin has not lost his emotional connection to the Gunners.
That is unsurprising seeing as he spent over a decade at the club and built up a close affiliation with Arsenal’s support base.
“Arsenal are doing amazing and that makes me so happy. The player they got in my position is doing great,” he added.
“There’s literally no hard feelings for me. It’s beautiful to see because I watch every single game and I want the guys to do well.
“It’s just how football goes. You need to see what’s best for you and the club.
“I always say to the club, if I leave this place, I don’t want to leave you guys without, for example, anyone in my position, or in a position when you guys are not in the best terms.
“I want the best for all of us because I’ve been here for 10 years and I love this place. It’s worked out for everyone and that’s what shows me it was the right thing to do.
“It makes me really happy to see the guys doing well.”
Bellerin is enjoying a resurgence in form and appears to be putting his fitness issues behind him as he looks to win trophies with Betis this season.
The right-back will continue to keep a close eye on Arteta’s side as they challenge for a top four spot and a place in the EFL Cup final.
